Your Turn . . . 10-2-03

Article in poor taste

Dear editor,

I must say I did not appreciate the recent article on the 233rd M.P. Battalion
stationed in Iraq ["Wrong moves, right moves," September 18]. To compare Infantry
with Military Police is like comparing the Boy Scouts with the Girl Scouts.
First of all, I am ex-infantry and very proud of the fact. I also served in
the Gulf War in the early 90s in a Mechanized Infantry Unit. I was never taught
or trained to "shoot first, ask questions later." There is protocol for all
tactical engagements!

Military Police and Infantry have been internal rivals for numerous years
and many wars. However, a true "Active Duty Solider" would by no means insult
another unit in the press. All due respect: The article was in very poor taste
and by no means good for any soldier's morale!

Spc. Brian J. Bowles
United States Army Infantry
1990-1994

Best of Baghdad

My husband is with the 233rd M.P. Company, and I just want to say
your article was wonderful. It spoke the truth when saying that the 233rd was
one of the best in Baghdad right now. Those men work very hard every day and
put their lives on the line. I e-mailed the article to my husband, and he was
very pleased with the encouraging things that were said about the unit. It gives
them the motivation to continue to be the best that there is.